Note: Javascript is disabled or is not supported by your browser. For this reason, some items on this page will be unavailable. For more information about this message, please visit this page:
About CDC.gov

The threshold limit value (TLV) guideline for ultraviolet (UV) radiation specifies that irradiance measurements to ensure occupant safety be taken over an angle of 80° at the sensor. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an 80° field of view (FOV) tube on lower room UV-C irradiation measurements. Measurements were made in an experimental chamber at a height of 1.73m with and without an FOV tube. The FOV tube reduced the lower room irradiance readings by 18-34%, a statistically significant reduction compared to the bare sensor. An 80° FOV tube should be used for lower room irradiance measurements to comply with the TLV guideline. The resulting lower readings would allow more UV-C radiation in the upper room without compromising occupant safety. More UV-C radiation in the upper room could increase efficacy of UVGI systems for reducing transmission of airborne infectious diseases. In addition, recommendations are made to standardize lower room irradiance measurement techniques.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Applied Research and Technology

Published:

March 2009

Series:

DHHS publication ; no. (NIOSH) 2009-105

Description:

"Although the number of cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States has declined in the last several years, there is still a continuing need to protect healthcare workers and the public from risk of infection. One of the primary risks to healthca...

Background : Eggcrate upper-room ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), an engineering control method for reducing the airborne transmission of infectious diseases, was recently developed as an alternative to conventional upper-room UVGI using co...

The ability to disinfect and reuse disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) may be needed during a pandemic of an infectious respiratory disease such as influenza. Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) is one possible method for resp...

"Airborne transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other infectious agents within indoor environments has been a recognized hazard for decades. Engineering controls such as ventilation and negative pressure have been helpful for control of tube...

"This report presents the criteria and recommended standard based thereon which were prepared to meet the need for preventing impairment of health from occupational exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The standard proposed is based on the results of n...